AFC Toronto secured a playoff berth with a victory over the Montreal Roses, clinching a 2-1 win in the last game of the Northern Super League’s inaugural regular season. The match saw Montreal’s Alexandria Hess netting the opening goal in the 10th minute, capitalizing on an empty net as Toronto’s goalkeeper, Sierra Cota-Yarde, moved forward to defend. Toronto equalized in the 42nd minute when Lauren Rowe delivered a precise cross into the six-yard box, allowing Sarah Stratigakis to tap it in, leveling the score at 1-1. Nikayla Small sealed the win for Toronto with a goal in the 86th minute at York Lions Stadium.
Both teams are set to face off again in the NSL playoffs, commencing on November 1. Toronto, boasting a record of 16 wins, 6 draws, and 3 losses, claimed the top spot in the league standings, earning the prestigious Supporters’ Shield. In contrast, Montreal, with a record of 10 wins, 9 draws, and 6 losses, finished in fourth place.
The AFC Toronto’s victory and celebration of the inaugural Supporters’ Shield can be viewed in the embedded media.
Nikayla Small’s late-game heroics secured the win for AFC Toronto against the Montreal Roses in the final match of the NSL regular season, ending in a 2-1 scoreline.
